Introduction & Background
Growing up in a quiet suburban town, 16-year-old Jake Roberts was always looking for ways to earn extra money. Whether it was mowing lawns or helping neighbors with odd jobs, he enjoyed working hard and making a difference. One day, after watching a video about pressure washing cars, he was fascinated by the transformation it could create.
“It was so satisfying to watch,” Jake says. “I thought, ‘I can do that!’ and decided to give it a try.”
Using money saved from past summer jobs, he bought a basic pressure washer and started practicing on his parents’ car. After seeing the results, he asked friends and neighbors if they wanted their vehicles cleaned—and just like that, his business, SparkClean Auto Detailing, was born.
Building a Business & Giving Back
Jake’s enthusiasm and work ethic quickly earned him a solid reputation. He started advertising on local community pages and offering affordable rates. His customers loved his dedication and attention to detail.
But Jake didn’t just want to make money—he wanted to help. He noticed that many elderly residents in his neighborhood struggled to keep their cars clean due to physical limitations or financial constraints.
“I realized some people couldn’t afford to have their cars washed professionally, but they really needed it,” he says. “So I decided to help them out for free.”
Jake began offering complimentary car washing services to seniors in his town, prioritizing those who couldn’t do it themselves. The joy and gratitude from the car owners made all the hard work worth it.
Challenges & Growth
Balancing school, work, and his growing business wasn’t easy. Jake had to manage his schedule carefully, often working after school and on weekends. At first, he used basic equipment, but as his business grew, he reinvested his earnings into better tools and supplies.
“The biggest challenge was handling all the requests,” Jake admits. “I wanted to help everyone, but I had to find a balance between running a business and giving back.”
His generosity didn’t go unnoticed. Local businesses started donating supplies, and community members spread the word about his work. Soon, he had more requests than he could handle—and even started training a few friends to help.
Looking to the Future
Jake’s dreams for the future are big. He hopes to expand his business, hire a small team, and continue giving back.
“One day, I’d love to start a program that teaches other young people how to start their own service businesses,” he says. “I want to show them that you don’t need a lot of money to make a difference—you just need determination and a heart to help.”
His advice to young entrepreneurs?
“Start small, work hard, and always look for ways to help others. When you do good, good comes back to you.”
From a simple idea to a growing business with a mission, Jake Roberts proves that age is just a number when it comes to making an impact.